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Sharks roll out another bruising, Bok-heavy side for Ulster

Vincent Koch of Sharks arrives at the stadium prior to the EPCR Challenge Cup Final match between Gloucester Rugby and Hollywoodbets Sharks at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 24, 2024 in London, England.(Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)

The Sharks have named a powerful, largely unchanged side to take on Ulster in Belfast on Saturday night as they look to round off their overseas leg of the United Rugby Championship with back-to-back wins.

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Head coach John Plumtree has made just two changes to the XV that overcame Edinburgh last week. Jason Jenkins comes in at lock for the injured Emile van Heerden, while James Venter swaps in for Phepsi Buthelezi on the flank.

The starting pack features four Springboks, including captain Eben Etzebeth, with a further two on the bench. Siya Kolisi continues at No.8 and Bongi Mbonambi and Vincent Koch retain their starting roles in the front row.

In the backline, there’s no change. Jaden Hendrikse and Jordan Hendrikse continue in the halves, with Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am forming a formidable midfield combination. Makazole Mapimpi starts on the left wing, and Aphelele Fassi remains at fullback.

Andre Esterhuizen, speaking from the squad’s base in Belfast, said the group is focused and in good spirits ahead of a game they expect to be highly charged.

“We’ve had a good tour so far, but we know we have a big, big game against Ulster,” said the hulking centre. “They’ll be amped. It’s their last home game and a few of their guys are bowing out.”

The Sharks currently sit just outside the playoff spots and will be aiming to return home with momentum ahead of two final home games at Kings Park.

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Hollywoodbets Sharks
1. Ox Nche
2. Bongi Mbonambi
3. Vincent Koch
4. Eben Etzebeth (c)
5. Jason Jenkins
6. James Venter
7. Vincent Tshituka
8. Siya Kolisi
9. Jaden Hendrikse
10. Jordan Hendrikse
11. Makazole Mapimpi
12. Andre Esterhuizen
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Ethan Hooker
15. Aphelele Fassi

REPLACEMENTS:
16. Fez Mbatha
17. Ntuthuko Mchunu
18. Hanro Jacobs
19. Manu Tshituka
20. Phepsi Buthelezi
21. Bradley Davids
22. Siya Masuku
23. Jurenzo Julius

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Comments

2 Comments
B
BR 59 days ago

Such inconsistent quality of journalism on this site. Article lists Sharks outside the playoff spots; they are in 4th! And lists 4 Springboks in the starting pack when there are 5! Ox, Bongi, Vincent, Eben and Siya… Does anyone proof these articles?

D
Damodeb 59 days ago

Wrong again two weeks running

How is 4th place outside the playoffs spots

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B.J. Spratt 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson names his 35-man All Blacks squad for France series

Great team. I really hope the All Blacks give France their biggest defeat in Test History.


Fabien Galthie: “I have no choice but to select a second-choice squad for their upcoming three-Test series against the All Blacks in New Zealand in July”


As explained by the FFR (Fédération Française de Rugby), Fabien Galthié will be allowed to:

– Select a group of 42 players, composed primarily of players who had played little to no game time in the previous Six Nations.


– Five players in total from the Top 14 finalists can be in the squad. However, those who have already played a certain number of games [not stipulated by any of the parties] can’t be included.


It suits Galthie’s aspirations for the next World Cup to tour with a second choice squad. No doubt the tour will ‘produce a star or two for France.


Let’s hope the All Blacks start well in the First Test of the series and sit the frogs on their arse.


Galthie is also allowed to bring French players to N.Z. who didn’t play in the First Test.


If France B, excel in the first test, I am pretty sure Galthie won’t be calling on his French Test players.


Let’s hope the All Blacks turn the French into "cuisses de grenouille"

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